How to Use Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Bioidentical hormone therapy is an alternative to the traditional hormone replacement therapy that is used to provide menopause symptom relief. Bioidenticals are products that consist of hormones that are chemically identical to the ones the body produces. A woman who uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will receive a mixture of bioidenticals created specifically to address her individual hormonal needs. Supporters of bioidenticals say they are a safer approach to menopause symptom relief. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not completely supported the use of bioidenticals and has not approved many of these products. However, the FDA along with many in the medical community is offering some recommendations for women who decide to use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose bioidenticals that meet government regulations. There are a few bioidenticals have the approval of the FDA. This will help ensure that the products you are using are safe. Bioidentical progesterone and estrogen that are available over the counter are too risky because they may not meet standard guidelines for safety.

2. Avoid using hormone testing to determine the dosage. A woman's hormone levels are constantly changing and should not be the basis for determining the potency of bioidenticals for menopause hormone replacement therapy.

3. Start by taking the lowest possible dose for a very limited amount of time. A woman should use bioidenticals just long enough to get adequate menopause symptom relief. The purpose of menopause hormone replacement therapy is to treat hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.

4. Take bioidentical progesterone as a pill in order to get the right dose. Progesterone creams and gels are not recommended because there is no way of knowing if the body is absorbing adequate amounts of the hormone. Progesterone protects women from edometrial cancer, which is a risk associated with taking estrogen.

5. Avoid using compounded bio-identicals. They have not been approved by the FDA and can vary in strength, which means a patient may not be getting adequate doses.

Tips & Warnings

• Bioidenticals that have the approval of the FDA are only available by prescription.
• Bio-identicals carry the same health risks as traditional menopause hormone replacement therapy. This includes an increased risk for heart disease and breast cancer.

[sonni57]

on 7/14/2009 Thanks for the good explanation on bioidentical therapy it's all news to me.